UFC on ESPN 3 Results: Former Heavyweight champion destroyed in 71 seconds

#5. Joseph Benavidez (27-5-0) vs. Jussier Formiga (23-5-0) (Flyweight)

Benavidez vs. Formiga.

Both Joseph Benavidez and Jussier Formigo came into the co-main event of the evening with the aim of sending out a strong message to dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo.

It was Benavidez, though, who did exactly what was asked of him.

Benavidez had a strong start to the fight despite getting cut open as a result of a counter right from Formiga. The first round ended with an incredible scramble, however, Benavidez showed more diversity and range in his striking to get the first round on the scorecards.

The body kicks continued to come from Benavidez. The fight moved towards the fence as both men clinched. Benavidez landed good knees in the clinch. The body shots were a regular feature and disguised amongst them was a nasty head kick that stunned Formiga with one minute left to go in the second round.

Benavidez rushed in and let loose a host of punches to end the fight.

Result: Joseph Benavidez def. Jussier Formiga via TKO (head kick and punches) (4:47, Round Two)

This was Benavidez's third straight victory and ninth in his last ten fights. A title fight surely beckons for 'Beefcake'!

Video: Joseph Benavidez gets the TKO vs. Jussier Formiga #UFCMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/ks7jsHNsUu

— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) June 30, 2019